Bayer Leverkusen are close to extending Ibrahim Maza’s contract until 2031 as interest in the Algeria midfielder grows among major European clubs, including Barcelona, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
Maza, 20, has impressed with his performances since establishing himself in Leverkusen’s first team. German newspaper Bild reports that the club has accelerated negotiations in an effort to secure his future and protect themselves against approaches from elsewhere.
Paris Saint-Germain’s interest was reported at the start of November, while Maza has also spoken openly about his ambition to play for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
“It would of course be a big dream for me to play one day for a prestigious club such as Paris Saint-Germain,” Maza told RTL and Sky Sport Germany.
“It is one of the best clubs in the world, at the level of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal.
“Playing for a club of that size is a target I am working towards, like many other footballers.”
Maza has won 23 caps for Algeria and appears to have played a significant part in encouraging Leverkusen to act quickly. His current contract is due to expire in 2030, but Bild says several rounds of talks have brought him close to agreeing a one-year extension.
Leverkusen have reportedly made a written offer that would move Maza into the club’s highest salary bracket. His annual wages would rise from 2.5m euros to 4m euros, with an additional overall bonus of 4m euros.
A key factor in the progress of the negotiations is understood to be Maza’s agreement not to include a fixed release clause in the new contract. Such a clause would have allowed him to leave for a pre-agreed fee.
The approach is similar to the strategy previously used by Leverkusen with Florian Wirtz, with whom Maza is increasingly being compared. Wirtz joined Liverpool for 140m euros two years ago.
Leverkusen believe Maza has the potential to reach a market value of 100m euros in the near future. He joined the club from 2. Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin in 2025 in a deal worth 12m euros.
His rapid development has helped him secure a regular starting role and become an important member of the squad. Maza has scored four goals and provided four assists in 14 appearances this season.
Although Barcelona are among the clubs linked with him, and Maza has recently described the Catalan side as one of his future ambitions, they currently have a number of midfield options in their squad.
Leverkusen’s proposed renewal would therefore give the club greater control over Maza’s future and reduce the prospect of losing him to one of his interested suitors.
